Living Room & Dining Room

A modern, Cali-inspired living room

Living Room & Dining Room

A modern, Cali-inspired living room

How designer Ali Budd took a narrow living room from undefined to undeniable with modern elements, practical features and an L.A. vibe in mind.

A functional laid-back living space tops the wish list for most families, and this Toronto couple, who live with their three young children and dog, were no exception. Having seen designer Ali Budd’s work in a friend’s home, the pair enlisted her to redesign their living room with not only style but also practicality in mind. The mission? To give the 14-by-22-foot interior a bright youthful look and, more importantly, some continuity. “The long space felt like two separate rooms,” says Ali. “We kept the functionality of the two zones but connected them visually.” The designer achieved her goal with a consistent muted palette, tailor-made furniture and unique accessories. “There were a lot of ‘trust me’ moments,” she says, but the homeowners were game, and the stunning results – which bring to mind sunny L.A. days – are proof of a major win.

The custom sideboard with a triangle motif is a standout piece, as is the coffee table, with its fish scale-like black base. The unique items pack a visual punch without disrupting the room’s soothing clean-lined aesthetic.

Small prints can look like pricey artwork if framed properly. “You can never lose with large white mats,” says designer Ali Budd, who used the trick on a pair of online purchases. The savings allowed for investment items like the elegant rug.

A daybed separates the space without causing a disconnect. “You can sit facing either way, and the low profile means sightlines remain open,” says Ali. The faceted side tables in this sitting zone are a balancing foil for the chunky coffee table in the other one.

A subdued palette of pale hues, including blush and powder blue, defines the room. To stimulate the eye without overpowering the space, Ali introduced a few bold black accents, including the abstract artwork.